Anxiety and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Understandably, many people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer are anxious or fearful about the future. In many cases, you're receiving ongoing treatment and tests — each visit to the doctor may make you feel worried and anxious. You also — with good reason — may feel anxious whenever you have an ache or pain. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and some pain medications can sometimes increase any anxiety you're already feeling.

If you feel anxious all the time, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend an accredited psychotherapist who can help. Antidepressant medicines such as Paxil (chemical name: paroxetine) or Effexor (chemical name: venlafaxine) also may help. Some complementary and holistic medicine techniques can help ease anxiety, as can a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.